Pilot’s Aerial Photos Offer Unique Perspective of London’s Landmarks

30 St. Mary Axe, or the “Gherkin”

In a striking series of aerial photos, architect, photographer, and pilot Jeffrey Milstein combines his three passions to showcase stunning sky-high views of London. Captured from a hovering helicopter, the eye-opening photos offer a new way to look at well-known sites and world-renowned landmarks in the bustling capital city.

Some, like the symmetrical, sun-bathed shots of Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral, show off London’s large-scale, monumental grandeur, while others, including photographs of 30 St. Mary Axe and 20 Fenchurch St. (affectionately known as “The Gherkin” and “The Walk Talkie,” respectively) showcase its modern, love-them-or-hate-them skyscrapers. Each unique photo gives a glimpse of life in London, from its tube stations and top tourist attractions to its iconic red double deckers. (Look closely and you’ll spot several of the buses trundling through Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square!)

Like his London series, much of Milstein’s portfolio features awe-inspiring photographs that are taken from the sky and convey a similar building-oriented focus—an aesthetic that has materialized as a result of his love of flying and his architectural background. Given his experience as both an architect (the Bolt-Together House is his most notable creation) and a pilot, it is no surprise that Milstein’s soaring oeuvre is nothing short of spectacular.

You can find more amazing aerial shots on Milstein’s Instagram.